The first weekend of November brings a little bit of everything, including coastal art in Santa Cruz, a family celebration in San Jose, local makers in Los Gatos, chamber music in Carmel, and a wine tasting downtown.
Here are five events worth adding to your weekend plans.
Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival
Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
The Grove at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz
More than 60 artists will fill The Grove with sea glass jewelry, ceramics, mosaics, fabric art, and other ocean-inspired pieces. It is a good place to find a distinctive holiday gift or see what local artists have created from materials inspired by the coast.
Admission is $5, and children enter free. The festival also supports ocean conservation. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Diwali: Festival of Lights
Saturday, November 7
10:00 am to 3:30 pm
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
180 Woz Way, San Jose
Families can learn about the traditions of Diwali through art, storytelling, music, and dance. Children can create a diya lamp, explore colorful rangoli artwork by Purvi Shah, and enjoy live cultural performances throughout the day.
The celebration offers a thoughtful and hands-on way for children to experience the meaning behind the Festival of Lights. Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
Makers Market Local Artist Fair
Saturday, November 7
11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Old Town Los Gatos
50 University Avenue, Los Gatos
Get an early start on holiday shopping while supporting local artists and small businesses. More than 30 makers will offer handmade jewelry, pottery, leather goods, candles, artwork, accessories, and other locally crafted pieces.
Live music adds to the atmosphere, and children and pets are welcome. Eventbrite
Chamber Music Monterey Bay Opening Night
Saturday, November 7
7:30 pm
Sunset Center
San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Chamber Music Monterey Bay opens its 60th anniversary season with pianist Orion Weiss, violinist Grace Park, and a group of accomplished string musicians.
The evening begins with Chausson’s Concert in D and concludes after intermission with Schubert’s String Quintet in C. A pre-concert talk begins at 6:30 pm. chambermusicmontereybay.org
2026 Odeon Vertical Tasting
Sunday, November 8
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Big Basin Vineyards Tasting Room & Tapas Bar
525 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
Spend Sunday afternoon comparing multiple vintages of Odeon, Big Basin Vineyards’ Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine.
Founder Bradley Brown will guide guests through the wine’s history and evolution, while tapas can be ordered to accompany the tasting. Tickets are required and advance reservations are recommended. Big Basin Vineyards
Make a Weekend of It
From supporting local artists to enjoying live music, cultural traditions, and wine, this weekend offers plenty of reasons to explore the communities surrounding Santa Cruz County.
It is also a reminder of what makes living here so appealing. Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley, and the Monterey Bay are connected closely enough that a completely different experience is often within easy reach.
Strock Team | eXp Luxury
Where Remarkable Real Estate Lives in California
Santa Cruz County · Monterey Bay · Silicon Valley
831-688-9800 | strockteam.com